US President Donald Trump met with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir in the Oval Office on Thursday. This meeting marks a significant shift in Trump's stance towards Pakistan, a country he has previously criticized as a terrorist haven. The White House did not provide details or statements following the meeting, which lasted approximately 80 minutes. Photos released by the Pakistani government showed the leaders engaged in discussions and posing with Trump, who was seen wearing a fighter jet pin and the American flag.

Before the meeting, Trump highlighted the strength of American military manufacturing, suggesting that foreign leaders were eager to purchase US military equipment. Speculation about the meeting's purpose has arisen, particularly in light of Trump's recent interest in the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan and the potential for the US to tap into Pakistan's mineral resources.

The meeting occurred shortly after Trump hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with both leaders discussing military cooperation. Despite the lack of official commentary, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khwaja Asif hinted at positive developments in US-Pakistan relations through a social media post, mentioning victories over India and a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Trump's remarks during the meeting included praise for Munir and Sharif, although he did not recall their names, which some analysts interpreted as a transactional approach. Critics in Pakistan expressed skepticism about the meeting, with retired Army officer Adil Raja questioning the sincerity of Trump's praise for the Pakistani leaders. Meanwhile, supporters of the current Pakistani government welcomed the renewed engagement with the US, indicating a potential shift in relations after years of tension.